Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija, Israel Defeat Iceland in EuroBasket Opener

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija helped Israel to an 83-71 win over Iceland in the country’s opening game of group play at EuroBasket 2025.

Avdija produced 20 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two assists in the Group D win, while shooting 5-12 from the field and 10-12 from the free throw line. Continuing a trend from Israel’s EuroBasket warm-up games, the 6-foot-9 forward struggled with his 3-point shot against Iceland, going 0-5 from beyond the arc.

Avdija was Israel’s second leading scorer in the game, while Israel big man Roman Sorkin was the man of the match with a game-high 31 points on 13-19 shooting. After gaining a 36-32 halftime lead, the one-two punch helped Israel pull away in the second half and lead by as many as 19.

The opening win gave Israel two points in Group D at the international tournament. Israel’s next group stage game comes against Poland on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Pacific. The game will stream on Courtside 1891 (subscription required).